Assault in Palm Beach County, Florida

1,146
Total Cases
59.9%
Guilty Rate
19.5%
Withheld Rate
1.0%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 1 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,146 Assault cases in Palm Beach County (2023-2025), 59.9% resulted in a guilty finding, 19.5% had adjudication withheld, and 1.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 1 months. 32.5% of defendants retained private counsel while 64.2% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
59.9% (687)
Withheld
19.5% (223)
Diversion
15.0% (172)
Dismissed
1.0% (11)
Acquitted
1.7% (20)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 1 months
Avg Sentence
2.0 months
Median Sentence
2.3 years
Avg Probation
16.1%
Prison Rate
49.5%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 567 2.7 months
State Prison Facility 185 3.7 years

Counsel Analysis

736
Public Defender
68.1% guilty · 0.7% dismissed
373
Private Attorney
45.3% guilty · 1.6% dismissed
37
Self or Unrepresented
45.9% guilty · 0.0% dismissed

Demographics

Demographic data reflects systemic patterns in the criminal justice system and should not be used to draw conclusions about any racial or ethnic group. Disparities may reflect differences in policing, prosecution, and socioeconomic factors rather than actual crime rates.

Race Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
White 582 52.1% 0.9%
Black 563 68.2% 0.9%

Age Distribution

6.6%
Under 21
30.1%
21-29
28.0%
30-39
15.5%
40-49
10.2%
50-59
9.6%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 369 54.5% 1.1% 11.3 months
2024 365 63.6% 0.8% 1 year, 3 months
2025 412 61.7% 1.0% 1 year, 1 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 518
Misdemeanor Second Degree 446
Misdemeanor First Degree 149
Felony Second Degree 33

Related Charges in Palm Beach County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 62,740 24.1% 1.0%
Other 15,095 12.6% 0.6%
Drug Possession 10,290 66.2% 0.9%
Larceny / Theft 9,341 63.3% 0.5%
Battery 7,373 46.0% 1.1%
Trespassing 6,180 69.2% 2.0%
Resisting Officer 5,777 61.1% 1.2%
DUI 4,973 96.2% 0.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Assault in Palm Beach County?
The guilty rate is 59.9% based on 1,146 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Assault in Palm Beach County?
Adjudication is withheld in 19.5% of cases. This is a Florida-specific outcome where the court finds guilt but does not formally convict, allowing the defendant to avoid a conviction record under FL Statute 948.01.
What is the average sentence for Assault in Palm Beach County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 1 months.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
64.2% of defendants use a public defender, while 32.5% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Palm Beach County. "Guilty" includes all cases where the defendant was found guilty. "Adjudication withheld" is a Florida-specific disposition where guilt is found but the court withholds formal adjudication under FL Statute 948.01. "Dismissed" includes all cases dismissed by the court or prosecution.

Source: FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency · 1,146 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026